Thean Hou Temple

Main Entrance of Thean Hou Temple, KL

It has been a long time since I last visited Thean Hou Temple in Seputeh, KL. When Mun Li decided to ask me to be a KL guide for her German friend, I thought it was a good idea to revisit this popular Chinese temple. But honestly, I'm not a good KL guide. If you ask me anything about KL, probably I would tell you KL is the capital of Malaysia, that's all.

Pavilion
(courtesy of Mun Li and her Canon zai)

Anyway, talking about Thean Hou Temple, a quick browse on the internet reveled that the temple was built in 1987. It was actually relocated from Jalan Sultan, KL. This temple belongs to Selangor and Federal Hainan Association. I guess it functions like a clan house, just like those clan houses cum temples you can find in Penang. By looking at the temple you can tell that the architecture is of Hokkien influence, with multiple-tier roof, decorated with 2 most auspicious mythical creatures in Chinese culture, Dragon and Phoenix.

Multiple-tier roofs with ornaments
(courtesy of Mun Li and her Canon zai)

Dragon
(courtesy of Mun Li and her Canon zai)

Phoenix
(courtesy of Mun Li and her Canon zai)

Other mythical creatures
(courtesy of Mun Li and her Canon zai)

The patron deity in this temple is Thean Hou Goddess. She is well-known by another name, Mazu. She is the patron deity of the sea, overseeing the well-being of fisherman in the ocean. Before going out to fish in the ocean, fishermen would pray to her, seeking for protection and a smooth sailing fishing trip in the ocean. Mazu is believed to have lived in the early Northen Song Dynasty, in year 960. Her real name was Lin Moniang.

Thean Hou Goddess aka Mazu

In the early days, Hainan people were mostly fisherman. Thus, they brought together the practice of worshipping Mazu to Malaysia when they came to Nanyang (southern sea, referring to Malaysia and Singapore). Today,the practice of worshiping Mazu is still popular in Taiwan, Fujian China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin

Dog, my zodiac animal according to the Chinese lunar calendar

Yuet Lao, the match maker deity

Lotus candle, symbolises purity and enlightenment

Every year, Thean Hou Temple would be festooned with red lantern during the Chinese New Year. If you come by night, you can enjoy the beauty of Thean Hou Temple glittering like stars with the yellow neon bulbs lining the edge of the roofs. Coupled with the colourful bright lanterns, this temple resembles a shining diamond as night falls.

Greatest person in my life

I would like to dedicate today's entry to the most important person in my life. He is none other than my beloved father, Mr Wong Fook Chiew. Today, 17 March 2010 is his birthday. Born in the year of Tiger according to the Chinese lunar calendar in 1950, he is 60 years old.

Already half a century old, I think he's fit to be called Senior citizen now. My dad's special to me. He has sacrificed a lot, painstakingly ensures that all his children get the proper shelter and education. He is a responsible father who willingly sacrifices for the betterment of his children. He saves every cent he earns just for his family. He has never spent lavishly for himself. When we were small, I'd never seen him having designer's clothing nor accessories. However, when his children wanted any branded stuffs, he would be ready to fork out the money. He spent lavishly on his childrens' food but for himself, he's contented with only a glass of water and a loaf of bread. This is my dad, who is never putting himself above us. Simple and caring, as long as his children and wife are happy, he's happy.


My dad's a responsible person. He ensures that everyone in the family is always in good order. He has never for once complaint for taking the responsibility as the head of the family. Whenever we have problems, he's always ready to guide us through, giving his lectures and opinion based on his years of fruitful experience.



Dad was not born with silver spoon in his mouth. He started working at a tender age to support the family. Born in a family of 10, there were plenty of mouths to feed. My grandpa was not a successful businessman. He lost his grocery business when he returned to China. Having divorced with my grandma due to some problems, my dad together with his siblings moved from the shop house in Ipoh town to a smaller village in Pasir Putih following my grandma. Life was hard then but they were not perturbed.



Dad worked hard and earn his living by working as newspaper vendor while studying part time in a private Chinese school. He studied until Form 5 and graduated eventually from the high school. He worked as an apprentice in an electrical company where he picked up his skills as an electrician. After acquiring enough skills, with his business acumen, dad started his first electrical company. From then on, there was no looking back.


He worked hard for his family and eventually raised us up to what we are today. Dad has scarified a lot indeed. It was him who moulded us up to be a successful person. Life would not be complete with this person. I'm really proud of my dad. He's the embodiment of love, the epitome of joy. He bought us much happiness, and he's our beloved dad.


Thank you for all the sacrifices. We love you dad.